CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team.

 

What is CERT?

 

The CERT concept was developed in 1985 by the Los Angeles Fire Department. They recognized that citizens would likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster. Accordingly, the LAFD decided that some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive until emergency personnel could arrive. CERT teams were created to provide a vital service in the absence of emergency responders. Today more than 38 states and foreign countries have instituted the CERT system.

 

The events of September 11 will never be forgotten; also not forgotten is how the spirit of America was awakened that day and citizens came forth to volunteer their services. President George W. Bush harnessed this spirit of volunteerism with the Citizen Corps Program. 

OK... So what do CERT people do?

 

Some of the tasks that CERT members can perform and assit with:

 

Search for lost or kidnapped children

 

Staff Emergency Operations Centers and monitor events

 

Emergency Operations Center security; driving, information, assisting disabled visitors and minor first aid.

 

Manage "spontaneous/convergent" volunteers

 

Assist Red Cross and other relief organizations on mass care

 

Assist local Police & Fire Departments when called to service by the local CERT coordinator 

Palmyra has a CERT team !

 

The Tri-Boro CERT Team wants you to know who we are and wants you to join us ! 

 

Visit the Tri-Boro CERT web site

Can I do this?

 

Yes.. we provide the training you will need.. and it is FREE!

 

If you join the CERT program you will receive training in how to prepare for a disaster, how to handle small fires and learn to respect fire and know when help is needed, learn basic medical first aid, how to do assessments on patients to determine who needs first aid first, search & rescue tactics- how to safely rescue someone, team organization..remember that team work is key to any sucessful team!

 

All of the training is usually performed locally or in neighboring communities. It typically will involve one night a week for 8 weeks.

 

The only requirements for joining are that you be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license.

 

 

Does this sound pretty cool! Want to join? Want more information?

 

Contact the Tri-Boro CERT coordinator by emailing Chuck Young at:

 

or call 856-229-1057

The Tri-Boro CERT team provides assistance to the communities of Palmyra, Cinnaminson, and Riverton.

 

The next training session is being set up now for the Fall of 2006.. Come join us !

 

You do not need to live in these communities to join our team but you should live close enough that if called to assist you can respond in a resonable amount of time.